The Calgary Flames are sitting on their hands and refusing to be the first domino to fall in the “seller’s market.” Teams are waiting for someone to make a mistake so they can follow right behind. All it takes is one trade to set the tone. Craig Conroy has a number of trades he could and should make, but nothing has struck his fancy just yet. Could holding out be the way to go rather than folding too early?
Fourth line woes
Ryan Lomberg has appeared in 20 of the 29 games played. I knew he’d been healthy scratched, but I didn’t think he’d missed that many games. The Flames need to clear roster spots, so I think moving on from Lomberg would suffice. Keeping a player simply because he’s a locker-room guy doesn’t do you any good. It keeps you in the position you’re in, or even worse… back to the middle of the pack.
Verdict: Approved
Packaging Kadri and Andersson
Would it make sense to package both Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson together? It’d move the rebuild along and allow for more roster flexibility. I do wonder if the Dallas Stars would consider such a hefty return. The Stars have one of the best scouting groups in the league, so if they’re willing to move on from three young players, it should raise suspicion.
Verdict: Yes, but I do feel like you may get more bang for your buck if you trade them separately.
A Deal with the Devils
A good old-fashioned cap dump. You just don’t see them like we used to. The New Jersey Devils need to shed cap space. This is the frustrating part of a rebuild. At some point, you have to take on another general manager’s mistake or unfortunate situation.
According to Puckpedia, they are likely to have a little over $3.6M at the deadline. If the Vancouver Canucks aren’t knocking on your door about Quinn Hughes, do you feel comfortable giving up your own first-round pick?
Verdict: Yes. The 2026 draft is reportedly to resemble 2024’s draft class in depth. What’s one more for the Flames?
From Cowtown to the Big Apple
Could the Flames use another LDH? No. Would the veteran experience be attractive to the Flames? Of course. Jake Bean has been playing better hockey, which could pique the interest of teams in the market for depth. Bean is on an inexpensive contract and could be that sixth or seventh defenceman. “Oh, but he’s young!”
Better prospects are waiting in the wings. Jeremie Porier has finally gotten to see NHL minutes this year, right? Carson Soucy is Alberta-born and in the final year of his contract. This could be another Joel Hanley situation, where that change of scenery later on in his career might bring something back to his game. If not, you wash your hands of him at the end of the season.
Verdict: Yes, it’s one of those trades you forget happened a week later.
Out with the oldish, in with the newish
Could the staredown be heading to Boston? The return seems a little heavy, but it wouldn’t be the first lopsided trade for the Boston Bruins. Andersson could slide into that top four easily. Boston’s defensive group has been plagued by injuries. Andersson very well may be their guy.
What about the Flames? The only way they should even consider this is if they’re moving a forward or two themselves. Matthew Poitras and Fabian Lysell are two players who could benefit from a change of scenery. Lysell hasn’t been given a fair shot at the NHL level, while Poitras hasn’t had much luck under Marco Sturm. What are the odds they both pop and find their respective grooves? The Flames could benefit from Poitras’ skill at the dot. I am not sold on Lysell just yet.
Verdict: No. There are too many things that need to happen for this trade to happen. No more forwards until they’ve moved some out. Could you convince Boston to take Joel Farabee or Connor Zary? Farabee seems like a Boston guy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.